I am new to Chi Running. I have been at it for a few weeks having started from zero. Changing gears seems a tad tricky. Is the amount of lean necessary to change from first to second gear dependent on conditioning?

I doubt that conditioning will be too much of a factor from gear 1 and 2 since both are still considered Aerobic. Of course, the better condition that you are in the longer you can run. I am surprised that no “expert” responded in such a long time. The above is just my thought.

As I was thinking about this, I came to the conclusion that it has very little to do with conditioning. It ha far more to do with body mass. The center of mass of a heavier person, like myself, is not located in the same position as that of a lighter, thinner person.

And sorry for the delayed response - I was on retreat! To answer the question about the amount of lean - it only takes one inch of lean to start or to go faster. For example, from starting and moving into first gear, you would check your posture, feel your feet, and fall from there. About the moment you feel pressure under the forefeet is when you pick up your feet. You balance into that lean, watching for signs of tension in your lower legs and feet. As you move into second gear, again, the lean is very subtle. Check your posture (as you run), feel your feet, and fall just enough to let the speed happen. And adjust and balance.

It doesn’t have to do with conditioning on how far you lean; that is more related to how long you can comfortably hold that faster speed. If you do it correctly, you should be able to hold it for a while. It does take practice to get that good form down, and in the process, your conditioning will improve. Give yourself time and patience and be consistent.